This document summarizes Wi-Fi technology. It defines Wi-Fi as a wireless networking standard that allows devices to connect to the Internet without wires. It describes the various IEEE 802.11 wireless standards and their characteristics. It also discusses hotspots, the elements of a Wi-Fi network like access points and adapters, how a Wi-Fi network works, advantages and limitations of Wi-Fi, security techniques, and the future growth of Wi-Fi access.

1. Wi-Fi
Technology
Eyad R. Manaa
Prepared by : Mohammed A. Hassona
Raed M. Jibreel
Supervised by :
Prof. Mohammed Alhanjouri
The Islamic University of Gaza
Computer engineering Department
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May 19,2010

2. Outlines
 Introduction
 What is Wi-Fi ?
 Wi-Fi Standards
 Hotspots
 Wi-Fi Network Elements
 How a Wi-Fi Network Works
 Advantages and Limitations of Wi-Fi
 Wi-Fi Security
 Conclusion
 The Future of Wi-Fi
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3. Introduction
 Imagine working on your laptop or checking e-mail
from anywhere in your home.
 Imagine being able to connect to your office
network from an airport or coffee shop.
 Now , imagine doing all these
things easily and quickly, without
worrying about finding a wired
network connection.
That is Wi-Fi !
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4. What is Wi-Fi?
 Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a generic term that refers to
the IEEE 802.11 communications standard for
Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
 Wireless Technology is an alternative to Wired
Technology, which is commonly used, for connecting
devices in wireless using radio waves.
 Allows you to access the Internet while on the move ;
you can remain online while moving from one area to
another, without a disconnection or loss in coverage.
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5. IEEE 802.11 standard
 In 1997, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) drafted the 802.11 standard for
wireless local area networking.
 In 1999, networking hardware companies accepted the
standard and began manufacturing products using the
802.11b protocol which operated in the 2.4 GHz range
and was capable of transmitting at speeds of 11 Mbps.
 The 802.11a protocol was also released in 1999,
operating at 5 GHz with transmissions speeds of 54
Mbps, but its cost was high.
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6. IEEE 802.11 standard
(cont.)
Maximum
Network Range Frequency Power
Speed Cost
standard (feet) (GHz) drain
(Mbps)
802.11b 11 100-150 2.4 Moderate Low
802.11a 54 60-100 5 High High
802.11g 54 150-250 2.4 Moderate Moderate
Up to 300
802.11n 200 2.4 & 5 Moderate Moderate
feet
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7. Hotspot
What is a Hotspot ?
 A Hotspot is any location where Wi-Fi
network access is made publicly available.
 Hotspots are equipped with a Broadband Internet
connection, and one or more Access Points that
allow users to access the Internet wirelessly.
 Hotspots can be setup in any public location that
can support an Internet connection. All the locations
discussed below are examples of Hotspots. 7

8. Wi-Fi Hotspot Locations
Airports
Hotels & Resorts
Restaurants
Coffee Shops
Bookstores
Shopping Malls
 There are several online services
allow you find hotspot locations. 8

9. Hotspot Revolution
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10. Elements of a Wi-Fi Network
 Access Point (AP) - The AP is a wireless LAN
transceiver or “base station” that can connect one or
many wireless devices in the same time to the Internet.
 Safeguards - Firewalls and anti-virus software protect
networks from uninvited users and keep information
secure.
 Wi-Fi cards (Adapters) - They accept the wireless
signal and relay information. They can be internal and
external. 10

11. PCI and USB adapters
For Desktop For Laptop
PCI adapter USB adapter PCMCIA adapter
(Internal) (External)
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12. How a Wi-Fi Network Works ?
 A Wi-Fi connection works through a transmitting
antenna, which is usually connected to a DSL or cable
Internet connection. The antenna on the router will then
beam radio signals through a specific range. Another
antenna, which is on the laptop or personal computer,
receives the signal.
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13. Advantages of Wi-Fi
 No Wires - A truly wireless networking solution.
 No Waiting - Fast, easy deployments.
 No Worries - A wireless networking system that is
secure, easy to manage, and built to grow with you.
 Ease of Installation - Quick, easy setup.
 Fast data transfer rates 13

14. Limitations of Wi-Fi
 Limited range
 Data security risks :a huge challenge for Wi-Fi
networks.
 Interference from other devices : such as
telephones, microwave ovens.
 High power consumption :making battery life and
heat a concern .
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15. Basic Wi-Fi Security Techniques
 WEP(Wired Equivalent Privacy) : The original encryption
technique specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard.
 WPA(Wi-Fi Protected Access ): A new standard that
provides improved encryption security over WEP.
 WPA2 : is an improved version of WPA that uses
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology.
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16. Basic Wi-Fi Security Techniques(cont.)
Securing Encryption Type
Security Level Notes
Method Used
No longer used; it is can be
WEP RC4 encryption Low
hacked easily
algorithm
provides improved
WPA TKIP Protocol High encryption security over
WEP
An improved version of
WPA2 CCMP Protocol Very High WPA that uses Advanced
Encryption Standard
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17. Conclusion
 Wi-Fi is a simple, cost-effective way to connect to the
Internet, without the need to physically connecting wires.
 In 1997 IEEE drafted the 802.11 standard for wireless
local area networking.
 Hotspot is a geographic area setup in any public
location, and has a readily accessible wireless network.
 Security is a huge challenge for Wi-Fi Networks, many
Security Techniques are used to improve it.
 Wi-Fi Networks have a several limitations that should be
concerned.
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18. The Future of Wi-Fi
 The future of Wi-Fi is very bright. Its growing in
popularity because of decreasing costs and the freedom
it gives to users.
Hotels offering Wi-Fi
35,000
30,000
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
2007 2008 2009 2010
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